{"product_id":"india-census-1961-meritorious-service-medal-government-of-india-lion-capital-of-ashoka-civil-service-award","title":"India Census 1961 Meritorious Service Medal – Government of India – Lion Capital of Ashoka – Civil Service Award","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA distinctive historical medal issued by the Government of India in connection with the 1961 Census, recognising meritorious service in one of the country’s major national administrative exercises. This medal represents an important part of India’s post-independence civil administration and the extensive work undertaken to collect demographic information across the nation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeaturing the Lion Capital of Ashoka and the inscription “CENSUS INDIA 1961” on the obverse, the medal reflects the authority of the Indian government. The reverse displays a laurel wreath surrounding the words “MERITORIOUS SERVICE,” symbolising achievement, dedication, and official recognition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMEDAL DETAILS:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCountry: India\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear: 1961\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIssuing Authority: Government of India\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eType: Meritorious Service Medal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurpose: Recognition of service during Census operations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eObverse Design: Lion Capital of Ashoka with “CENSUS INDIA 1961”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReverse Design: Laurel Wreath with “MERITORIOUS SERVICE”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCategory: Civil Service \/ Historical Commemorative Medal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge: 65 Years Old in 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHISTORICAL BACKGROUND:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndia’s 1961 Census was a major national undertaking that recorded demographic and social information across the country. Its successful completion depended on the coordinated efforts of census officials and numerous personnel involved in fieldwork, supervision, administration, and data collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedals associated with census operations provide a tangible record of the government’s recognition of public service and the administrative work required to document a nation’s population.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDESIGN SIGNIFICANCE:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Lion Capital of Ashoka, adapted as India’s national emblem, represents the authority of the Republic of India. The laurel wreath on the reverse is a traditional symbol of achievement and honour, reinforcing the medal’s purpose of recognising meritorious service.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCOLLECTOR’S APPEAL:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Indian government service medal associated with the 1961 Census\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Features the Lion Capital of Ashoka\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Reverse inscription reads “MERITORIOUS SERVICE”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Connected to India’s post-independence administrative history\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Suitable for collections of Indian medals, civil service awards, and historical memorabilia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA meaningful historical artefact commemorating public service during India’s 1961 Census and reflecting the development of the country’s administrative institutions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gupta Coins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67699783729364,"sku":null,"price":12499.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0840\/5028\/0660\/files\/A0FED944-9B4C-43C8-B73F-37589A39A140.jpg?v=1791789807","url":"https:\/\/guptacoins.com\/products\/india-census-1961-meritorious-service-medal-government-of-india-lion-capital-of-ashoka-civil-service-award","provider":"Gupta Coins","version":"1.0","type":"link"}